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What Does My Chest X-ray Test Report Indicate?
Question: My chest xray finding is that, linear opacity noted in left lower zone - probably plate atelectasis.... what does it mean
Brief Answer:
Small area of the left lung lower lobe might have collapsed air sacs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A linear opacity is the appearance of a straight line which is probably seen in the left lower zone. This is the region of left lung lower lobe. It is a common finding in chest x ray and not a serious problem.
2. The linear opacity is described as a plate like atelectasis which is a subsegmental part of in the left lung lower lobe that which has collapsed air sacs. This is a small area of the lung and not a serious problem.
3. It is important to know if you had any lung infections before, are a smoker or whether you are having any respiratory problems now. The appearance of this pattern can be due to these conditions. It is a non specific lung sign on chest x ray and can be found in due to many conditions.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have nay doubts.
Regards,
Small area of the left lung lower lobe might have collapsed air sacs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A linear opacity is the appearance of a straight line which is probably seen in the left lower zone. This is the region of left lung lower lobe. It is a common finding in chest x ray and not a serious problem.
2. The linear opacity is described as a plate like atelectasis which is a subsegmental part of in the left lung lower lobe that which has collapsed air sacs. This is a small area of the lung and not a serious problem.
3. It is important to know if you had any lung infections before, are a smoker or whether you are having any respiratory problems now. The appearance of this pattern can be due to these conditions. It is a non specific lung sign on chest x ray and can be found in due to many conditions.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have nay doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You doctor for your response. I didn't have any sort of lung infection before nor do I have any respiratory problem now. However I am a smoker. I smoke 6-7 cigarettes daily. So, is this curable? Will this create problem in future? Why do the cells collapse? Would be grateful if you kindly respond to my queries.
Brief Answer:
Smoking and obesity can contribute to plate like atelectasis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The plate like atelectasis is from obstruction to a small airway from infection, ventilation problems and smoking can also contribute to it. The lungs have many such airways and therefore it does not make much of a difference to the functioning of the lung.
2. As mentioned, there may not be any immediate problems arising from the plate like atelectasis however controlling smoking can prevent similar changes elsewhere.
3. The lung has small airways which lead to air sacs. When there is a condition in which there is obstruction to the airway or loss of oxygen causing less fluid around the air sacs then they can collapse. Hypoventilation, smoking, infections and in hospitalized patients and those with tendency to develop pulmonary embolism.
In you it looks likely from smoking habit and if you are obese. It is suggested that you reduce your smoking habit to half or less. In many cases, improvement in health reverses this plate like atelectasis. This is different from lung collapse which is a serious condition due to obstruction to large airways.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have nay doubts.
Regards,
Smoking and obesity can contribute to plate like atelectasis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The plate like atelectasis is from obstruction to a small airway from infection, ventilation problems and smoking can also contribute to it. The lungs have many such airways and therefore it does not make much of a difference to the functioning of the lung.
2. As mentioned, there may not be any immediate problems arising from the plate like atelectasis however controlling smoking can prevent similar changes elsewhere.
3. The lung has small airways which lead to air sacs. When there is a condition in which there is obstruction to the airway or loss of oxygen causing less fluid around the air sacs then they can collapse. Hypoventilation, smoking, infections and in hospitalized patients and those with tendency to develop pulmonary embolism.
In you it looks likely from smoking habit and if you are obese. It is suggested that you reduce your smoking habit to half or less. In many cases, improvement in health reverses this plate like atelectasis. This is different from lung collapse which is a serious condition due to obstruction to large airways.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have nay doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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